[Faith-talk] Need feedback.

[jaybee]

Hi list.  My wife Ora and I are both blind and we attend a Local church here 
in Birmingham.  Ora, my wife, is a doctoral student and is in the process of 
writing her dissertation on blindness in the church.  She would like to know 
basically how you and others are treated by your congregation.  She does not 
plan to use names, but she does plan to use the information.  This subject 
has been broached before but this time, I am taking notes. In our 
congregation, for example, my wife has difficulties with the treatment by 
the ladies.  They are very cordial, but they do not include her in their 
circle.  They do not ask her to go with them on ladies' outings, they do not 
ask her to bring food to our fellowship meals.  As stated, they ar very 
friendly toward her, but they just do not know how to approach her, and it 
is not just this congregation, but it has been about the same with her over 
the past forty plus years.  On the other hand, we find that the men are much 
more opened-armed toward both of us. I, for example, am accepted in 
participating in just about every aspect of our service.  Any feedback would 
be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.  Jaybee
"Be not the first by whom the new is tried, nor yet the last to lay the old 
aside."  (Alexander Pope)